Buist

What Buist does

Buist is a 100% employee-owned electrical, technology, and engineering contractor founded in 1964 by brothers Roger and Larry Buist and headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, with a second office in Kalamazoo. The firm organizes its offering into three integrated divisions — Electrical (contracting, medium voltage, outdoor utilities, service, testing), Technology (audio visual, building automation, communications, distributed antenna systems, security solutions, technology solutions), and Engineering (Building Information Modeling, design-build, industrial automation, power system analysis, prefabrication, NFPA 70E training) — and also rents mobile diesel generators from 40 KW to 1 MW.

The operating model relies on direct field sales to enterprise and mid-market customers across West Michigan's commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational segments. Technical differentiation is grounded in BIM-driven coordination, foreman-led prefabrication in a 15,000 sq.ft. controlled-environment shop, a 6,750 sq.ft. UL 508A & 698A certified industrial control panel shop, Tridium Niagara 4-certified building automation capability, and a comprehensive power system analysis practice. Project Managers and Estimators all hold journeymen licenses, and the project management team carries 500+ combined years of experience.

Revenue is generated primarily through project-based design-build, design-assist, and bid-spec electrical contracting work (lump-sum and T&M), supplemented by recurring preventative-maintenance and emergency-service contracts, professional-services testing and power system studies, training programs (e.g., NFPA 70E at $300 per person), and equipment rentals. Bonding capacity of $50M per project and $100M aggregate, a verifiable safety record (EMR 0.59 vs. industry 1.0; DART 0.20; TRIR 1.42), and 17-year customer maintenance relationships indicate a stable, scale-constrained regional franchise rather than a venture-stage growth profile.

Name

Buist

Legal name

Buist

Website

https://buist.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Buist is an employee-owned electrical, technology, and engineering contractor headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational customers across West Michigan through integrated design-build, BIM-coordinated prefab, building automation, and technology services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electrical Contracting and Building Technology Services

NAICS

Nonresidential Building Construction (2362), Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction (237130), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413), Engineering Services (54133)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540), Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction Management & General Contracting (EPCM, Scheduling, QA/QC, HSE) (EUAMAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Substation EPC & construction (AIS/GIS, greenfield/brownfield) (EUADAKAC), Overhead & Underground Collection System Construction (MV/HV Lines, Duct Banks) (EUAEADAG)

Keywords

• Electrical contracting services
• Building automation systems
• Industrial automation solutions
• Audio visual integration
• Power system analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

Byron Center

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electrical Contracting Services: Project-based revenue from electrical design-build, design-assist, and installation services for commercial, industrial, and healthcare facilities. Revenue generated through lump-sum contracts, time-and-materials service work, and long-term maintenance agreements.
2. Technology Solutions Integration: Audio visual, building automation, communications, security solutions, distributed antenna systems, and technology solutions for commercial facilities. Revenue from design, installation, and ongoing support services.
3. Power System Studies and Testing: Testing and analysis services including short circuit studies, protective device coordination, arc flash analysis, infrared inspections, and acceptance testing for industrial and commercial facilities.
4. NFPA 70E Training: Electrical safety training services provided at $300 per person, taught by Master Electrician and PE with CESCP accreditation. Training recognized for CEUs and PDHs in Michigan.
5. Emergency and Preventative Maintenance: 24-hour emergency service and preventative maintenance contracts providing recurring service revenue. Standby and portable generators available for planned or emergency outages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Buist is an integrated electrical, technology, and engineering contractor providing design-build electrical construction, building automation, audio visual systems, structured communications, industrial automation, power system analysis, and electrical prefabrication for commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational facilities in West Michigan. The company also rents mobile diesel generators and offers NFPA 70E safety training.

Product overview

Buist is an electrical, technology, and engineering contractor offering integrated service offerings across three divisions: Electrical (contracting, medium voltage, outdoor utilities, service/testing), Technology (audio visual, building automation, communications, distributed antenna systems, security solutions, technology solutions), and Engineering (building information modeling, design build, industrial automation, power system analysis, prefabrication, NFPA 70E training). The company also provides mobile diesel generators as a standalone product. With approximately $150M annual revenue and 500+ employees, Buist serves commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational markets in West Michigan. The service portfolio operates as an integrated offering where multiple service lines (Contracting, Communications, Outdoor Utilities, Testing, Engineering) work together on projects, supported by BIM coordination and prefabrication capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Electrical Contracting Design-build electrical construction, engineering support, and installation services for commercial, industrial, and healthcare facilities.
• Medium Voltage Medium voltage electrical services including system design, installation, maintenance, and testing for primary power distribution systems in commercial and industrial facilities.
• Outdoor Utilities Outdoor utilities services including underground electrical distribution, fiber optic cabling, duct banks, and site lighting installation for commercial and industrial projects.
• Electrical Service 24-hour emergency support, preventative maintenance, and system troubleshooting services for facilities, including generator and temporary power solutions.
• Electrical Testing Testing, inspections, and maintenance services including infrared testing, transformer testing, breaker testing, acceptance testing, and power system studies for industrial and commercial facilities.
• Audio Visual Audio visual system design, installation, and support including presentation and collaboration systems, performance audio, digital signage, and sound management for commercial and industrial facilities.
• Building Automation Building automation systems (BAS) for monitoring and controlling HVAC, lighting, energy, and building infrastructure to improve facility efficiency and performance.
• Communications Structured cabling, fiber optic, and low voltage communication systems for voice, data, and wireless connectivity in commercial facilities.
• Distributed Antenna Systems DAS solutions for improving in-building cellular coverage and public safety radio communication, including cellular DAS and ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems).
• Security Solutions Commercial security solutions including access control, video surveillance, and integrated building security systems for protecting facilities, employees, and assets.
• Technology Solutions Technology solutions including network solutions, cybersecurity, unified communications (UCaaS), and compute and storage services for businesses.
• Building Information Modeling BIM services for creating accurate 3D models to support electrical design, coordination, and prefabrication, reducing conflicts and improving project efficiency.
• Design Build Design build electrical services integrating design, engineering, and construction under one process for streamlined communication and project delivery.
• Industrial Automation Industrial automation solutions including control systems, software, and connected equipment for improving production efficiency and system reliability.
• Power System Analysis Power system analysis services including short circuit studies, protective device coordination, arc flash hazard analysis, and power quality analysis.
• Electrical Prefabrication Foreman-led electrical prefabrication services including UL 508A certified panel building, conduit racks, branch circuit packages, and custom assemblies built in a controlled 15,000 sq.ft. shop environment.
• NFPA 70E Training NFPA 70E electrical safety and arc flash training taught by certified instructors, available in-person or on-site for compliance and workplace safety.
• Mobile Diesel Generators Portable generator rentals ranging from 40KW to 1MW for temporary power, emergency backup, and construction site electrical support with quick connection and delivery options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.59, significantly below industry average of 1.0
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration77 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and preferred.

• Infrared Training CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer Level I Thermography certification training at Buist facility. Course teaches infrared camera operation, temperature measurement, safe inspection practices, and report creation.
• Tridium Niagara 4coreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Tridium Niagara 4 Partner providing cutting-edge building automation solutions. Offers certified training, technical support, and access to Tridium's framework for commercial and industrial facilities.
• BICSIcoreTechnology or IntegrationEvery member of the Communications team is BICSI certified, validating skills and knowledge of information, communications technology, and cable installation. Two team members hold Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification.
• AVIXAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership and adherence to Audio Video Experience Association standards. AV proven process based on AVIXA, AQAV, and PMI best practices.
• AQAVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation for Quality in Audio Visual Technologies. Provides framework for AV9000 performance analysis and certificate of system substantial completion.
• PMIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Management Institute. AV proven process incorporates PMI standards for project delivery consistency and quality.
• CrestronpreferredTechnology or IntegrationProduct partner for audio visual solutions. Certified expertise in Crestron systems integration.
• Q-SYSpreferredTechnology or IntegrationProduct partner for audio visual solutions. Certified expertise in QSC/Q-SYS audio and control platforms.
• PanduitpreferredTechnology or IntegrationExtended manufacturer certified warranties for structured cabling installations. Class 4 Power Installer certification for Fault Managed Power Systems.
• Consumers EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred subcontractor of Consumers Energy for outdoor utilities work. Longstanding and proven relationship for medium voltage and excavation projects.
• NextivitypreferredTechnology or IntegrationCertified by Nextivity for deploying high-performance in-building communication systems including Distributed Antenna Systems.
• CommScopepreferredTechnology or IntegrationEnterprise networks partner for in-building cellular and public safety wireless solutions through CommScope's DAS offerings.
• Microsoft TeamspreferredTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for unified communications and collaboration platform integration within UCaaS solutions.
• AWSpreferredTechnology or IntegrationAmazon Web Services partner for cloud computing solutions within technology solutions portfolio.
• AzurepreferredTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft Azure partner for cloud infrastructure and hybrid computing solutions.
• CiscopreferredTechnology or IntegrationNetwork solutions partner for enterprise-grade wired and wireless networking including Meraki platform.
• FortinetpreferredTechnology or IntegrationCybersecurity partner providing next-generation firewalls and network security solutions.
• Palo Alto NetworkspreferredTechnology or IntegrationCybersecurity partner for advanced threat protection and zero-trust framework implementation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Power Design: Multi-state electrical contractor with strong prefab and design-build focus for commercial and multifamily customers; comparable to Buist in process discipline and integrated service delivery.
• IES Holdings: Public electrical and communications contractor with commercial, industrial, and residential service lines; directly comparable to Buist's integrated electrical, technology, and communications portfolio across multi-state operations.
• Rosendin Electric: Employee-owned electrical contractor with design-build, prefabrication, and technology systems capabilities across commercial, industrial, and mission-critical; close peer given ESOP structure and integrated delivery model.
• Faith Technologies: Large private electrical contractor specializing in design-build, prefabrication, and technology integration for commercial and industrial customers; directly comparable to Buist's prefab-led, multi-discipline model.
• Helix Electric: National electrical contractor with design-build, design-assist, and technology integration capabilities; similar to Buist in integrated delivery approach across commercial and industrial verticals.

Regional players

• Wachter: Multi-region electrical contractor with strong technology systems integration (low-voltage, network, security); comparable to Buist's communications and technology solutions lines outside of Michigan.
• AWT (Automated Wiring Technologies): Midwest-based electrical and technology systems integrator serving healthcare, education, and industrial markets; regional peer with comparable multi-discipline contracting focus.

Broad incumbents

• EMCOR Group: National mechanical and electrical construction services firm with broad portfolio across commercial, industrial, healthcare, and technology; comparable to Buist in service breadth but operates at vastly larger national scale.
• Quanta Services: Largest pure-play utility infrastructure contractor in North America; broader incumbent with overlapping capabilities in T&D, medium voltage, and substation work relevant to Buist's outdoor utilities and MV services.
• MYR Group: Public holding company of electrical construction subsidiaries serving transmission, distribution, commercial, and industrial markets; comparable for medium voltage, T&D, and commercial electrical work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@buist_official
• Facebookfacebook.com/buistofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buist-official
• Instagraminstagram.com/buist_/?hl=en

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Buist